Everyone Who’s Seen Pixar’s New Movie Is Saying the Same Thing
Pixar’s first 2026 release Hoppers is drawing raves out of its El Capitan Hollywood premiere, with early reactions hailing its bold style and eye-popping visuals. The animated adventure hops into theaters next month.
Pixar kicked off its 2026 slate with an early bow for Hoppers at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre, and the first wave of reactions is loud, lively, and very pro-bunny. The consensus: striking animation, big feelings, and a story that gets a little wilder than you might expect from the studio.
The early buzz
Multiple attendees are calling Hoppers top-tier Pixar, praising the look of the film and how it balances sweet, funny character work with bolder swings. More than one person flagged surprisingly dark, even creepy moments tucked into the adventure, which is a fun curveball for a family movie when handled well.
"Pixar's HOPPERS is lunacy and is pretty awesome."
"A full on, works on every level, top tier Pixar movie... it takes chances, gets dark, and creepy too. It's truly special."
Another early viewer called it one of Pixar's best in years, highlighting 'visually stunning' animation and an original story that feels wild on paper but lands. The movie apparently hums with energy, packs real laughs, and shows off a deep bench of scene-stealing characters.
One attendee teased a 'very cute movie with an unexpected adventure' and promised a longer take next week. Others went big: a 'home run' for the studio, 'a must see for everyone,' and the kind of crowd-pleaser that could become a new favorite for a lot of people.
"This movie gives me hope... See it on the big screen. Bring tissues."
Who made it
Hoppers is directed by Daniel Chong. The screenplay is by Jesse Andrews, with Chong developing the story.
Voice cast
- Piper Curda as Mabel
- Bobby Moynihan as King George
- Jon Hamm as Mayor Jerry
- Meryl Streep
- Dave Franco
- Nichole Sakura
- Sam Richardson
- Eduardo Franco
- Kathy Najimy
- Isiah Whitlock Jr.
Release plan
After its El Capitan premiere, Hoppers hops into U.S. theaters on March 6, 2026. If the early chatter holds, expect big-hearted Pixar feels wrapped in a brighter, bouncier package that is not afraid to throw a few shadows across the path. I'm in.